New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) defended the Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s decision to skip the Test match against Afghanistan. Virat has instead opted to play English county cricket for Surrey.
Defending Virat’s decision to not represent the country in the historic Test, BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary said, “There was no intention (on Virat’s part) of not to play (against Afghanistan). It is only because of the English challenge which we have to rise through to the satisfaction of the entire cricket fraternity in this country and Virat wants to sustain for the right reasons.”
The Test will be held from June 14 to June 18 in Benguluru. Ajinkya Rahane will lead the 15-member squad instead.
Virat’s decision had raised eyebrows with many criticising the cricketer for not playing for the country.
Australian World Cup winning skipper Micheal Clarke said the decision had left him ‘surprised.’
“Look I am really surprised. I don’t know that’s Virat’s choice but I am really surprised. I think a Test match is a Test match. I don’t care who you are playing against, it needs to be number one priority,” Clarke was quoted by PTI.
“To represent your country is the most special feeling in the world. I would like to see him fly back and play the Test, a bit of gap in the schedule which can allow him to do that,” he added.
